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Do you know anything about this neglected, hurt dog found in West Seattle? $5,000 reward

Just in from the Seattle Animal Shelter – a plea for information about that dog, found neglected and injured in Highland Park:

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the neglect and abuse of a dog found in West Seattle last week. The dog showed clear signs of neglect and has been treated for a serious wound from a severely embedded collar.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, the dog pictured was found in the 8600 block of 8th Avenue Southwest. As the dog was extremely frightened, it took 20 minutes of coaxing for a Good Samaritan and Humane Law Enforcement Officer to lure the dog out of hiding. The dog’s collar had cut so far into the dog’s neck that it was not visible on exam and had to be surgically removed. Animal neglect such as this is animal cruelty and it is a crime.

Details of where the dog has been for the past several weeks are unknown. If you recognize the dog or know where this dog has been, please call Seattle Animal Shelter Manager of Field Services Ann Graves at (206) 386-4288. Please reference case number 14-13914. Any information about the dog’s previous whereabouts is vital to solving this case.

“Neglecting an animal to the point that no one loosens a collar that is literally cutting into the flesh of the animal’s neck is unconscionable and a clear violation of our state’s animal cruelty statutes,” said Dan Paul, Washington State Director for The Humane Society of the United States. “We are grateful that this dog is now safe in the good hands of the Seattle Animal Shelter staff, and hopeful that this reward brings forward anyone with information about this heinous act of cruelty.”

First-degree animal cruelty is a Class C felony punishable by five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.

The Seattle Animal Shelter enforces both SMC 9.25.081 and RCW 16.52.205, which make it illegal to abuse or neglect an animal. If you feel that an animal is being neglected or abused, please contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at (206) 386-7387.

SAS spokesperson Julie Moore says the dog originally came to authorities’ attention because a resident (same one mentioned above as a Good Samaritan) called to report this dog was lying in their yard.

47 Replies to "Do you know anything about this neglected, hurt dog found in West Seattle? $5,000 reward"

I’m all for the proper treatment of dogs and punishing the people responsible, but couldn’t that reward be used to do more good for animals? I’m very doubtful considering the type of injury that the owner is doing this to multiple animals. The dog most likely grew into this collar after it was abandoned.

This just makes me sick! Animals are like children, they are gifts of joy and love and they don’t ask to be brought into your family, you chose to bring them in so take care of them like they deserve!
So sad and look at that face, makes me cry.

Chris, I do not share your faith that this owner will suddenly stop acquiring animals or neglecting them. I have witnessed the pattern first hand. The laws are pretty weak when it comes to this type of thing.

We are wondering if this might be a long-lost dog that is from who knows where? We recall a while back a dog being found that had been lost for 6 months. The collar could have grown into neck because dog got lost when younger & has been wandering. Just a thought. If this dog was not lost & someone out there did treat this dog in such a neglectful way, we hope that they are caught and prosecuted.

I live near Westwood Village, and often see panhandlers at the entrances, sometimes with dogs. Although the dogs are usually wearing some sort of covering to apparently indicate they are being “cared” for, I am wondering if this one might have been in the same circumstance, and really not cared for, probably abused, and used as a prop, basically, for $$ handouts. Unfortunately, I don’t recognize this puppy-dog. I am ashamed to say that I have not looked up a way to see if there is a process to report this type of situation…is this considered abuse?

This happens more often than we hear about. If you’re involved in rescue or shelter groups, it’s fairly common to see imbedded collars (as well as rubber-banded tails, to crop the tail) but doesn’t tend to make it to mainstream media. And Eric1 is correct; the breed often attracts unsavory people that don’t really view the animal as a pet, but but rather a symbol. Considering where it was found, it’s not surprising. I don’t mean to sound like this is a sweeping generalization; that’s not my intention. Dogs like this are used as quick money makers (breeding/fighting), and then ‘discarded.’ Luckily for the dog, there are many more good people that will care for it now and it will have a chance at healing and finding the love it deserves. The person who did this should definitely be charged with cruelty and never allowed to own an animal again.

The good news is with that sweet little face, it won’t be hard to find a good home if that’s found to be an option. I legitimately squealed at my monitor. I hope she’s able to recover and that whoever did this to her gets what’s coming to them.

My daughter and son in law have a pit bull. She never leaves my grandbabys side. Always trying to wash the baby and kiss him. She is the sweetest dog we’ve ever had in our family. Pits have so much love to give. I can’t wait to hear how this dog has recuperated and is happy again. She is so beautiful and I have faith that she will soon have an amazing place to call home. Ill never understand what makes people so abusive towards animals. This story breaks my heart.

Kravitz..”considering where it was found it is not surprising”. It is heartbreaking that anyone would abuse an animal. I think that what is needed here is a show of love and kindness and support…both for this animal and the wonderful people involved who are rescuing it. How would you feel if you lived on that street and read what you wrote? It could have happened anywhere.

For those thinking the collar became embedded after the dog was abandoned you are most likely wrong. For that much damage to occur the collar would have needed to be too tight for months. That dog is in pretty good shape weight wise so I doubt she’s been on her own for long.

Also, her ears are not “mutilated”. From the picture that appears to be a crop done by a vet. Someone paid a few hundred dollars to get it done.

It is good to know she will get a chance at a good home! BTW – the dog is probably an American Bully due to size and structure. Looks like a nice example of the breed, too

@ Deb A; not familiar with an “American Bully” breed. Is that just an informal term for Pit Bull? Not passing judgement, just looking for clarity. She does look to be very sweet and I am so glad she is getting the care and love she deserves. The ex-owner deserves exactly the level of “care” he provided her…

seattle321, Kravitz may have been referring to the neighborhood. I live in Highland Park and there have long been stories down here of dogfighting rings. I am wondering if this dog is an escapee or was abandoned. It happens. :(

@ Kravitz – how do you reconcile your statement about “where it was found” with the fact that a good Samaritan was in that same neighborhood to help rescue it? And how can you possibly know where this dog originally came from? If you “don’t mean to sound like this is a sweeping generalization,” then don’t sound like this is a sweeping generalization.

I have to say that I still am disheartened by the dialogue in regards to highland park. We need to be careful about how we talk about our own neighborhoods. If you live in highland park and think there is a dog fighting ring, why shouldnt you be just as up in arms as if there happened to be word of a dog fighting ring in a differen part of West Seattle? Why is it that dogs being abandoned in this particular area is seen as how life is? It is all about expectations and if we continue to talk as though something is expected of an area, where is the justice for the people who live there. We are all west seattleites and it would be nice if we could support each other with equal expectations.

It’s really sweet to see the outpouring of support fot this sweet, hurt dog. I owned a Pitbull, and we experienced SO much discrimination for it (she was the sweetest dog ever). I hope this dog finds a new companion – and learns to love/trust again.

It takes a real monster to do this to an innocent, defenseless critter.

@seattle321 @downthestreet @m and @datamuse
I’ve read all of the comments regarding this story and to my “sweeping generalization” that wasn’t intended to be taken that way. As @downthestreet pointed out the location being near West Crest park, that is exactly what I was getting at.

I have worked as a volunteer for SAS, and am CURRENTLY working as a volunteer for a different bully breed rescue organization. I am simply stating what I’ve seen and experienced myself with these animals, especially pitts and rotties.

It is unfortunate that there are most definitely certain neighborhoods with certain issues – but guess what? That occurs in any major city. Whether it has to do with animal abuse, car prowls, assault, homicide, gang activity, fraud, – take your pick. Every neighborhood has its issues as well as heroes.

Personally, I am in Seaview – car-prowls-a-plenty; my own included. It doesn’t stop me from loving my home and city, and trying to better it by volunteering, picking up litter, and knowing my neighbors.

To the good sam that picked the dog up, thank you. To those that I’ve hurt with my comments re: the neighborhood, ask yourselves what you can do to help change it.

@ Chuck and Sally’s Van Man
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There is a somewhat recognized breed of the American Pit Bull Terrier, but it’s not very common, and if I understand correctly, a bit shorter. This sweet girl looks like my best friends APBT who was put down yesterday after 13 years of good family dog service :-( I’m not sure what makes an APBT different beyond a American Staffordshire Terrier, but little variations within the breed family.
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I own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier/Boxer, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is smaller than both, and I believe was more popular in Britain. I think what most people consider “pits Bulls” would be the American Staffordshire Terrier or American Pit Bull Terriers. FWIW, the American Staffordshire Terrier (or Am Staff) is recognized by the AKC, not the American Pit Bull Terrier.
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Not sure if that helps or confuses, or even if it’s 100% correct. Hope this sweet thing finds a good home soon!

WSB do you know the dogs sex? Wondering if it’s a female as it looks similar to one my neighbor described that he saw wandering around the neighborhood a couple months ago. Can you confirm? We know what house that loose dog came from a couple months back but want to make sure this is the same dog and the dog he saw was female and resembles this dog.

Wow, seattle321, way to make assumptions about what I think of where I live. I really don’t see how acknowledgement of a thing constitutes acceptance.
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Kravitz, thank you for clarifying what you meant by your comment.

i think it would be good if you just call that info into the investigators. Let them check it out. No harm done.

Details of where the dog has been for the past several weeks are unknown. If you recognize the dog or know where this dog has been, please call Seattle Animal Shelter Manager of Field Services Ann Graves at (206) 386-4288. Please reference case number 14-13914. Any information about the dog’s previous whereabouts is vital to solving this case.

I did check with SAS to ask if anything new – and to ask the question about male or female. As I suspected from the way it was written, they are deliberately not saying whether male or female, in case withholding a detail like that helps at some point along the way. And they did say they’ve received a few calls. No breakthroughs yet. – Tracy

alki resident – they are super sweet dogs. And I have to say West Seattle is super pit friendly! I feel like I see people walking them all the time and when I take mine out for walks people are always really quick to love on her and bring their kids right up to meet her. It’s so nice to see the perceptions shifting about these dogs.

Lynn and Scubafrong, I am trying to get ahold of someone. I am very interested in adopting him/her. I have two American Staffordshires. We adopted one 9 months ago from the Wenatchee Humane Society and I would love to give this one a loving and caring home.

In reference to 2/25 Chris reply; ” the dog probably grew into its collar once abandoned. ” this is anatomically difficult to occur for the dogs tissue to grow atop of its chain. This process takes months and is due to too tight a collar and probably the dog yanking on a rope or chain ( trying to escape to a better life) regardless of the process, it is wrong and the person who does this should be imprisoned. People who abuse animals don’t care about anything we say on this blog but we can create awareness. My neighbor and I helped a chained up pitbull by driving him to the shelter. He escaped from his yard with his 15lb metal lock and chain dangling behind him. Now he’s been adopted to a nice home. We have a plethora of chained/ tied up pitbulls in our community and that’s no place for a family member. These dogs are sweet and impressionable. They can cuddle and kiss or bite and kill. We as dog owners have the power to do the right thing and rear them as family members not cool gaurd dogs.